Breo Waterfalls

The Breo falls sit in the forested country on the western side of the Huallaga near the boundary of Río Abiseo National Park, and reaching them takes a boat trip up the river from Juanjuí followed by a walk in through the forest, usually as an overnight or two-night trip with local guides. The falls come in a series of drops through a gorge, the largest of them substantial, with pools between where people swim, and the surrounding forest is intact enough that this is real wildlife country - monkeys, macaws, and the standard hazards of a place with no facilities. It is not a casual excursion: the boat schedule, the river level and the state of the trail all determine whether the trip runs, operators are few, and the wider region has a difficult recent history that kept visitors away for decades. Río Abiseo itself, the World Heritage site next door, is closed to general tourism.

The landscape

• The tiered falls - a series of drops through a forested gorge.
• The pools - swimming holes between the tiers.
• The boat journey - up the Huallaga from Juanjuí to the landing.
• The forest - intact enough for monkeys and macaws along the way.

When to go

May to September for river and trail conditions. Two to three days with local guides and boat arrangements made in Juanjuí. Confirm operators and permits before travelling.

Before you go

Remote with no facilities - everything is carried in. Trips are cancelled by river levels and boat availability. Insects, humidity and rough camping. Río Abiseo National Park next door is closed to general visitors; do not plan on entering it.

Nearby

Juanjuí is downriver; Río Abiseo National Park lies west.